Doesn't Have Faith In Scientists

Letter to the editor

The Rev. Erica Wimber Avena is correct in her op-ed last week that there is no such thing as "believing" in climate change or not [Sept. 3, "You Can't 'Believe' In Climate Change"]. The evidence, scientific and non-scientific alike, that the earth has been warming in the past few decades is compelling.

She also points out, however, that scientists interpret evidence and need to be cognizant of factoring in variables that can affect conclusions and factoring out their own biases and pre-conceived notions in doing just that. It is not a given they will be flawless in these efforts, or even that they will always act in good faith.

A few decades is also a very short period of time in earth science terms on which to base sweeping conclusions on what is going on with our planet and what the effects may eventually be. It is therefore entirely legitimate to believe or not believe that all or the vast majority of scientists are reaching accurate conclusions or acting in good faith in their work, and whether those issuing the most dire warnings of the consequences are trustworthy forecasters or Chicken Little alarmists we should not entirely trust.